Although Kobe Bryant became synonymous with the purple and gold of the Los Angeles Lakers, his NBA journey technically began with the Charlotte Hornets, who selected him 13th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft.
This upcoming Nike Kobe IV Protro “Draft Day” Pack flips that moment into storytelling gold.
🔥 The Concept
The collection features 13 colorways, each representing one of the teams that passed on Kobe before his selection. Every pair includes:
- A numbered insole tied to that team’s draft position
- Special “1996 Draft” tongue detailing
- “13 K. Bryant” branding inspired by the draft board
🦖 Raptors Pair Breakdown (Pick No. 2)
The first reveal honors the Toronto Raptors, who selected Marcus Camby with the No. 2 overall pick.
🎨 Color & Design
- Upper: Perforated white base
- Accents: Glacier blue + wild berry hits
- Swoosh: Red-outlined for contrast
- Tongue: Kobe logo in matching red
- Heel: Split “8” and “24” tribute
- Insole: Purple with Kobe logo + “2” (Raptors’ draft slot)
Behind the tongue, you get a clean throwback hit:
“1996 Draft” and “13 K. Bryant”
Underfoot
- White midsole
- Icy translucent + solid rubber outsole combo
💭 Why This Matters
This isn’t just another retro—it’s narrative-driven design at its best.
Nike is tapping into one of the most famous “what-if” moments in NBA history and turning it into a collectible series. Each pair isn’t just a colorway—it’s a reminder that 12 teams passed on greatness.
Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Wild Berry
IM0559-101
$190
26 June 2026
images via prm.cotd
“Philadelphia 76ers” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Fuchsia Glow
IM0559-100
$190
26 June 2026
“Vancouver Grizzlies” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Court Purple
IM0559-102
$190
26 June 2026
“Milwaukee Bucks” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Violet Star
IM0559-103
$190
26 June 2026
“Minnesota Timberwolves” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Hyper Violet
IM0559-104
$190
26 June 2026
“Boston Celtics” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Atomic Purple
IM0559-105
$190
26 June 2026
“Los Angeles Clippers” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Hyper Grape
IM0559-106
$190
26 June 2026
“New Jersey Nets” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Purple Venom
IM0559-107
$190
26 June 2026
“New Jersey Nets” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Vivid Violet
IM0559-108
$190
26 June 2026
“Indiana Pacers” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Bright Violet
IM0559-109
$190
26 June 2026
“Golden State Warriors” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Bold Berry
IM0559-110
$190
26 June 2026
“Cleveland Cavaliers” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Pure Purple
IM0559-111
$190
26 June 2026
“Charlotte Hornets” Nike Kobe IV Protro
White/Glacier Blue-Laser Purple
IM0559-112
$190
26 June 2026
